One of the places we knew we absolutely wanted to visit on our Arizona road trip was the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. The garden was initially founded by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society in 1937 and established in Papago Park in 1939, so its history is truly intertwined with Phoenix. The garden today has more than 50,000 plants, and one-third of them are native to the area.
Here are some photos, fun facts, and tips from our experience visiting the Desert Botanical Garden.
The History of the Desert Botanical Garden
In the 1930s, a small group of local citizens led by Swedish botanist Gustaf Starck set out to preserve the fragile desert environment. Gustaf rallied support by posting a “Save the desert!” sign in his yard and meeting with residents in his home. By April 1934, they formed the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society and set their sights on creating a botanical garden to encourage more appreciation of desert landscapes. A wealthy philanthropist named Gertrude Webster joined the society and used her connections and personal finances to help fund the garden. Well known botanist Margaret Bell Douglas also pitched in by donating 1,500 specimens to the herbarium. Since then, the garden has grown bigger and more impressive year after year.
Now more than 80 years later, the desert lovers’ dreams have become a flourishing living museum. The garden spans 140 acres and welcomes 550,000+ annual attendees.
Our Favorite Spots in the Desert Botanical Garden
The garden is divided into five different walking trails, each with unique plants to see. The Desert Discovery Trail was a great place to start, with a wide variety of cacti and succulents in all different shapes and sizes.
One of the most impressive highlights on this trail were massive Saguaro cacti that are over 75 years old and taller than a one-story building. We took a picture of Austin (who is 5’11”) standing next to them for scale!
The Desert Wildflower Trail was one of my personal favorites because there were lots of bright, colorful blooms and pretty pollinators. There are entire sections of this trail dedicated to butterflies and hummingbirds.
The Sonoran Desert Trail also had some striking views because it winds through desert hills and mountain vistas in a very natural, rugged setting.
We were lucky enough to spot so much fascinating native wildlife while we wandered around the garden, including a jackrabbit, a desert mouse, a hummingbird, and a cactus wren (the Arizona state bird)!
Quick Facts about the Desert Botanical Garden
Cost: $16.95 Per Person
Open: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Daily
Website: https://dbg.org/
Trails Map: https://issuu.com/dbg8/docs/bm24_spring_2_trail_guide_digital_map_english?fr=xIAEoAT3_NTU1
Tips for Visiting the Desert Botanical Garden
- If you’re on a tight budget but still want to visit the garden, check out Community Day on the second Tuesday of each month! Admission is completely free and can still be reserved online ahead of time.
- Wear sunscreen, and bring some extra along with you.
- Wear comfy shoes because you will be doing lots of walking.
- Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Don’t bring pets, outside food, or weapons of any kind as these items are not allowed.
- Grab a map on your way inside and use it to help you explore. The distinctive trails can help you focus your visit on the areas that seem most interesting to you.
- I recommend that you allow for at least 3 hours to see the entire Desert Botanical Garden. It takes a while to walk through each area, and you will probably be stopping to take pictures or learn about the different native plants.
- The Desert Botanical Garden is right next to The Phoenix Zoo and Papago Park, so you could easily combine several activities into the same day if you have limited time in the area. Check out my suggested itinerary for an Arizona trip here.
Tips for Planning an Arizona Road Trip
After we returned from our Arizona road trip, Austin and I agreed that it was one of our favorite vacations we have ever taken as a couple. There was so much natural beauty around every corner in Arizona, and we hope to visit again someday.
If you’re planning your own Arizona road trip, check out these blog posts with more helpful ideas!
The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip
Arizona Road Trip Packing List
Grand Canyon National Park Guide
Petrified Forest National Park Guide
X Fun Things to Do in Phoenix, AZ
X Fun Things to Do in Sedona, AZ
If you want to learn more details about some of our favorite trips, check out our Blog. If you’re looking for more travel inspo and photography, follow along on our Instagram page.